Always be prepared. This should be your motto if you are a computer technician or if you are keen on maintaining your own computer and laptop. Carrying the right tools will help you save your expensive gadgets and will maintain their conditions. Moreover, it is a rather profitable job that can help you generate some income. You can do some computer repair for extra cash if you are good with gadgets.
You can never be too prepared. In fact, you need to make sure that you are carrying all the tools that you might need instead of stopping mid task because you can’t find the right tool. If you leave without repairing the computer because you are not well prepared, you will leave a very bad impression that will harm your reputation as a computer technician.
For these reasons, we decided to prepare a comprehensive list of the 10 most important tools that every computer technician needs. These must haves should always be a part of your tool kit to make sure that your job is done right.
- LED Pen Flashlight
This is a light yet very useful tool. It is a must have if you are into repairing computers and laptops. You can use this pen flashlight to look at the dark corners of the computer cases or to see screws properly. This will make your job so much easier and will ensure that you can see every single detail. It will enable you to complete your job successfully and quickly.
Make sure that you pick a proper flashlight that will be durable and lightweight. This way you will be able to use it for best results.
- Non-Magnetic Screwdriver
This is one of the most important tools that you can use if you are planning to repair a computer or a laptop. Most of the internal parts will be tied together using screws, and you need to make sure that you are using a proper screwdriver to fasten or unfasten them.
It is crucial to make sure that you are using a non-magnetic screwdriver as the magnet can damage the internal circuits of the computer.
Typically, your screwdriver will have a small tip and will be easy to use. Make sure that your screwdriver has a comfortable ergonomic handle. This will enable you to use it comfortably and fast.
- Plastic Zip Ties
Zip ties are so under-rated. It is extremely hard to work with a mess of wires and cables inside a computer or laptop. Zip ties will help keep everything organized so that you can see minor details. It will also make everything look professional and neat.
Zip ties can also improve the air flow inside the computer or the laptop by organizing the mess of wires. This will keep your computer cool and will make sure that it is working properly.
- Tweezers
Tweezers are really practical and come in handy in several situations. Sometimes after you unscrew a screw, it might drop and roll inside the very dark corners of the computer case. This is where your tweezers come to save the day. Tweezers will help you see through the case without having to remove any wires.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (99%)
This versatile alcohol can help you clean the computer case. It will remove debris and thermal compounds without affecting the other internal parts. It is safe to use and can be bought at any drug store.
- Pocket Microscope
These are small yet very powerful and versatile microscopes. These handheld microscopes give clear and big images with no blurred edges. They can be used to magnify all the internal small parts of the computer or laptop to facilitate your job as a computer technician.
The best pocket microscopes normally work without any batteries. This makes them very easy and convenient to use wherever you are. Some even come with a USB cord that can send the images to a computer screen in case you want to have a bigger and clearer image. In spite of their small sizes, pocket microscopes have high magnifying powers, sometimes surpassing traditional ones.
- Lint Free Cloth
Dust and debris can cause a lot of problems inside your computer. Traditionally, dust will build up inside the case and deposit on the fans and air slots which will prevent the proper flow of air.
Overheating can cause a lot of problems and damage to your computer’s internal parts.
The regular cleaning will help maintain the condition of your computer or laptop. You need to make sure that you are using a lint free cloth to prevent the lint from clinging into the internal parts.
- Grounding Strap
This is a Velcro strap with a metal contact that will help discharge any static charge. This is one of the most important tools to use since it will protect your internal parts against the damage that results from high voltage burst.
You can easily find ground straps in disposable or reusable forms. They will help protect your computer or laptop from irreparable damage.
- Vacuum:
Dust is your computer’s worst enemy. Dust build up will prevent the proper flow of air inside your computer case or laptop. This can cause overheating or even failure of expensive internal parts that will have to be replaced before you can use your computer again.
Cans of compressed air are not the best tools to use if you want to clean the trapped dust. They will most probably spread the dust inside the case. This is why you should always try to use a portable vacuum instead as it will remove all the debris.
If you can’t afford a special computer vacuum, you can always use your regular household one provided that you use the proper attachments. It will do the job well.
- Power Supply Tester
Your computer problems can sometimes be simple electricity problems. A power supply tester will set an alarm if there are any abnormalities that need your attention. You can then go through your wiring to make sure that everything is set before your computer is ready for use.
These are the most important must haves for any computer technician. You can easily create your own custom kit if you are not ready to buy an expensive prebuilt kit. Since most of these tools are reusable, you will be able to use them for long periods of time and save some money. They will also ensure that your job is well done.